Apparatus, an assembly, a vehicle and a method for forming a drainage assembly within and along an elongate trench

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for forming a drainage assembly within and along an elongate trench is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conduit guide means adapted to dispose a length portion of the elongate conduit within the trench, and an aggregate material delivery means adapted to distribute aggregate material within the trench such that the length portion of the elongate conduit within the trench is substantially surrounded by the aggregate material. Movement of the apparatus along the trench in use disposes subsequent length portions of the elongate conduit and further aggregate material within and along the trench to form the drainage assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuing application, under 35 U.S.C. §120, of co-pending international application No. PCT/AU2011/001668, filed Dec. 23, 2011, which designated the United States and was published in English; this application also claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119, of Australian patent application Nos. 2010905622 filed Dec. 23, 2010, and 2011903676 filed on Sep. 8, 2011; the prior applications are herewith incorporated by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus, an assembly, a vehicle and a method for continuously forming a drainage assembly along an elongate trench.

The invention has been developed primarily for use in construction of roads and railways, drainage, landscaping, agriculture and building construction industries and will be described hereinafter with reference to one or more of these applications. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to these particular fields of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Underground drain assemblies, such as a French drain assembly, are used to redirect surface and ground water to reduce the chance of the surrounding area becoming waterlogged. Waterlogged areas can often cause significant damage to roads and buildings, prevent or hinder agriculture and otherwise compromise the stability of the ground.

FIG. 1 shows in cross section a French drain assembly 50 installed below a ground surface 56 of ground 55. The drain assembly 50 includes an elongate conduit 30, aggregate material 20 surrounding and supporting the elongate conduit 30, and an elongate flexible membrane 40 surrounding the aggregate material 20 and substantially separating the aggregate material 20 from the ground material.

The elongate conduit 30 is typically a perforated conduit, such as weeping tile, which provides a means to quickly remove liquids that seep into the drain assembly 50. In some embodiments, the elongated conduit comprises two or more side by side and coupled perforated conduits or a combination of a perforated conduit side by side with and coupled to a non-perforated conduit. The elongate flexible membrane 40 is typically a geotextile which is a permeable fabric that allows liquids but not the aggregate material to pass therethrough. The aggregate material 20 can be blue metal, gravel, other rocks, recycled crushed plastics or recycled crushed concrete. The aggregate material in other embodiments can be what is called “No Fines Concrete”, which is concrete made without the use of fine aggregate material to create a honeycombed product.

When forming a drain assembly 50, a trench is firstly excavated along the desired path of the drain assembly 50. The trench will generally have a base wall and lateral side walls. The material excavated is generally disposed on either side of the trench and is often referred to as “backfill”. A middle portion 40 a of the elongate flexible membrane 40 (the middle portion being relative to its lateral edges) is laid on the base wall of the trench with lateral side portions 40 b of the elongate flexible membrane 40 being disposed adjacent the lateral side walls of the trench. The trench is then partially filled with the aggregate material 20 on top of the middle portion 40 a and between the lateral side portions 40 b to form an aggregate base 20 a on top of which the elongate conduit 30 is laid. Further aggregate material 20 b is laid alongside the elongate conduit 30, and further aggregate material 20 c is laid on top of the elongate conduit 30 up to a level below the ground surface 56. Lateral end portions 40 c and 40 d of the elongate flexible membrane 40 are then manually folded over each other above the aggregate material 20 c to form the drain assembly 50. The backfill is then disposed back into the trench to cover the drain assembly 50.

Depending on the specification requirements, aggregate base 20 a will have a height 21 of between 50 and 150 mm and aggregate material 20 c will have a height 22 of between 100 and 1000 mm Generally, a compacting tool is used to compact the backfill to even out the ground surface 56.

As can be appreciated from above, there are many individual steps involved in forming a French drain assembly and it becomes a time consuming and labour intensive process. This problem is exacerbated when installing extensive networks of drain assemblies, which can extend for hundreds of kilometers. Furthermore, the quality of the drain assembly is often compromised as it is difficult to install even and consistent amounts of the aggregate material and it is also difficult to maintain the position, depth and orientation of the elongate conduit consistent throughout the length of the drain assembly.

As such a need therefore exists to be able to form a drain assembly in a quick and economic fashion and yet to achieve consistent quality of installation.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a an apparatus and a method for forming a drainage assembly that overcome the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that provide such features with a drainage assembly within and along an elongate trench.

The present invention seeks to provide to an apparatus and a method for forming a drainage assembly within and along an elongate trench which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for forming a drainage assembly within and along an elongate trench, the trench generally having a base wall and side walls, the drainage assembly comprising an at least one elongate conduit extending along the trench and substantially surrounded by an aggregate material, the apparatus comprising: a conduit guide means adapted to dispose a length portion of the at least one elongate conduit within the trench; and an aggregate material delivery means adapted to distribute aggregate material within the trench such that the length portion of the at least one elongate conduit within the trench is substantially surrounded by the aggregate material; wherein movement of the apparatus along the trench in use disposes subsequent length portions of the at least one elongate conduit and further aggregate material within and along the trench to form the drainage assembly.

Advantageously, the apparatus can form the drain assembly within and along the elongate trench without requiring significant labor and skill. This is beneficial as it reduces the time and costs involved in installing a drainage system. Furthermore, as the formation of the drain assembly is substantially automated, the build quality of the drain assembly is standardized and substantially consistent along its length.

In one embodiment, the base and side walls of the trench are respectively, base and side wall regions of a trench having in cross-section a continuously curved wall, the trench being substantially U-shaped or concave in cross-section. In other embodiments, the trench can be other shapes, such as generally T-shaped in cross-section or an inverted L-shape in cross-section. In either case, the conduit guide means and the aggregate material delivery means can be adapted to position the at least one elongate conduit as required and to fill the trench with the aggregate material as required.

The drainage assembly can include one or more elongate conduits. If there are two or more elongate conduits in the drainage assembly, the conduits can be disposed adjacent each other or spaced from each other.

In one embodiment, the drainage assembly further comprises an elongate flexible membrane surrounding the aggregate material within the trench, the apparatus further comprising: a membrane guide adapted for configuring a length portion of the elongate flexible membrane into a channel configuration within the trench in use.

Advantageously, the apparatus forms the drain assembly by having the aggregate material and the at least one elongate conduit surrounded by the membrane. This maintains the aggregate material in place. This allows the drainage length to continue to function for a longer period of time. The membrane guide means, in one embodiment, is a combination of features, including one or more membrane guide wheels, a support wheel and guide shields or guide bars. These features urge a middle portion of the membrane to the base of the trench while maintaining lateral side and end portions thereof generally upwardly to form the channel configuration.

In one embodiment, the length portion of the elongate flexible membrane comprises a middle portion adjacent the base wall of the trench, lateral side portions adjacent the side walls of the trench and lateral end portions extending outwardly from the trench, the middle portion of the length portion of the elongate flexible membrane being disposed under the length portion of the at least one elongate conduit for receiving the aggregate material therein.

Advantageously, this configures the elongate flexible membrane in a better manner for receiving the aggregate material.

In one embodiment, movement of the apparatus along the trench in use disposes subsequent length portions of the elongate flexible membrane in the channel configuration within the trench.

Advantageously, this automates configuration of the elongate flexible membrane.

In one embodiment, the membrane guide comprises folding means for folding the lateral end portions of the elongate flexible membrane over each other and over the laid aggregate material to form the drainage assembly.

Advantageously, the apparatus completes the configuration of the elongate flexible membrane.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a chassis having attachment means for attachment to a towing vehicle.

Advantageously, the apparatus is able to be attached to different types of vehicles to be easily transported and operated. Furthermore, the apparatus is able to be detached from the vehicle when not in use such that the vehicle does not have to transport the apparatus when not required.

In one embodiment, the chassis comprises at least one support means for allowing the chassis to be moved along the trench.

Advantageously, this allows the apparatus to be moved along the trench.

In one embodiment, the at least one support means is a wheel which rolls along the base wall of the trench in use.

Advantageously, this simplifies rolling support for the apparatus as well as providing easy pivoting of the apparatus if required.

In one embodiment, the drainage assembly further comprises an elongate flexible membrane surrounding the aggregate material within the trench, the apparatus further comprising a membrane guide adapted for configuring a length portion of the elongate flexible membrane into a channel configuration within the trench, wherein the at least one support wheel rolls over the length portion of the elongate flexible membrane in use.

Advantageously, this ensures the elongate flexible membrane is laid on the base wall of the trench.

In one embodiment, the distance between the at least one support wheel and the chassis is adjustable.

Advantageously, this allows adjustments to be made to the depth of the laid conduit and aggregate material.

In one embodiment, the attachment means comprises a coupling for attachment to the arm of an excavator.

Advantageously, this simplifies attachment of the apparatus to an excavator arm. An excavator can be the towing vehicle as the excavator arm is able to tow, turn and maintain the upright orientation of the apparatus.

In one embodiment, the at least one elongate conduit is rolled from at least one conduit reel, the apparatus comprising a conduit roll mount for carrying at least one conduit reel and allowing the at least one elongate conduit to be unrolled from the at least one conduit reel and be disposed along the trench as the apparatus is moved along the trench.

Advantageously, the conduit roll mount allows the at least one elongate conduit roll to be received and rotated. This allows the at least one elongate conduit roll to continuously dispense subsequent lengths of the at least one elongate conduit and thus allow the apparatus to continuously form lengths of the drain assembly in use.

In one embodiment, the conduit roll mount is adapted to carry two or more conduit reels.

Advantageously, this provides the apparatus with additional capacity such that the apparatus is able to dispose more lengths of the at least one elongate conduit between refills, and to dispose two or more elongate conduits simultaneously side by side into the conduit guide means, or two or more elongate conduits at separate portions of the trench.

In one embodiment, the conduit guide means is a conduit guide tube having a lower end portion located within the trench in use, the longitudinal axis of the lower end portion of the conduit guide tube being aligned with the trench in use.

Advantageously, this simplifies guiding and location of the length portion of the at least one elongate conduit within the trench.

In one embodiment, the lower end portion of the conduit guide tube is spaced from the base wall of the trench in use.

Advantageously, this ensures the laid at least one elongate conduit is spaced from the trench base wall and aggregate material can flow under the at least one elongate conduit length within the trench.

In one embodiment, the distance between the lower end portion of the conduit guide tube and the base wall of the trench is adjustable.

Advantageously, this allows the depth of the laid at least one elongate conduit to be adjusted.

In one embodiment, the conduit guide tube comprises a generally upwardly extending upper entry portion and a middle portion which extends from the upper entry portion to the lower end portion.

Advantageously, this simplifies entry of the at least one elongate conduit into the guide tube.

In one embodiment, the conduit guide tube is generally rectangular in cross-section.

Advantageously, this maintains the orientation of the connecting pieces (described below) in the laid elongate conduit lengths. For STRIPDRAIN™/MEGAFLO™ applications (also described below), this maintains the required sideways upright orientation of the STRIPDRAIN™/MEGAFLO™

The apparatus can also include additional conduit guide tubes as required, for disposing an elongate conduit side by side with another elongate conduit or for disposing an elongate conduit at another position within the trench relative to the other elongate conduit.

In one embodiment, the aggregate material delivery means is adapted to distribute aggregate material into the trench upstream of the lower end portion of the conduit guide tube.

Advantageously, this substantially ensures that aggregate material is disposed underneath the elongate conduit in the formed trench.

In one embodiment, the aggregate material delivery means is adapted to distribute aggregate material into the trench downstream of the lower end portion of the conduit guide tube.

Advantageously, this substantially ensures that aggregate material is also disposed above the elongate conduit in the formed trench.

In one embodiment, the conduit guide tube at least partly extends within the aggregate material delivery means.

Advantageously, this substantially ensures that aggregate material surrounds the elongate conduit in the formed trench.

In one embodiment, the conduit guide means is adapted to dispose a length portion of one elongate conduit at one position within the trench and to dispose a length portion of another elongate conduit at another position within the trench.

Advantageously, this allows different trench configurations to be formed. For example, the conduit guide means can guide one elongate conduit to one location and another elongate conduit to another location, with the position of such locations being adjustable.

In one embodiment, the aggregate material delivery means comprises a delivery hopper having a funnel portion, the funnel portion having an intake opening and an outlet opening.

Advantageously, the delivery hopper intakes the aggregate material from the top and thus the apparatus can be easily refilled with aggregate material.

In one embodiment, the outlet opening comprises a means for selectively controlling the volume flow rate of aggregate material delivered into the trench.

Advantageously, the delivery hopper is able to act as temporary storage for the aggregate material due to its width and depth. This is beneficial in preventing overflow of the aggregate material in the delivery hopper such as when the delivery hopper intakes more aggregate material than is exiting the outlet opening.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one vibrator attached to the funnel portion for vibrating the delivery hopper to reduce the chance of the aggregate material becoming clogged therein.

Advantageously, the one or more vibrators are able to vibrate the funnel portion in order to reduce the chance of the aggregate material and the at least one elongate conduit from becoming clogged in use. Furthermore, the one or more vibrators can assist in evenly distributing and compacting the aggregate material when forming the drain assembly. In other embodiments, vibrators can also be provided in other parts of the apparatus, such as the delivery portion.

In one embodiment, the delivery hopper comprises a delivery portion extending generally downwardly from the funnel portion outlet and into the trench in use, the delivery portion assisting in distributing the aggregate material within the trench in use.

In one embodiment, the delivery portion comprises a front wall, first and second side walls and a rear wall.

Advantageously, the delivery portion assists in evenly distributing the aggregate material within the trench.

In one embodiment, the rear wall of the delivery portion substantially levels the laid aggregate material within the trench.

In one embodiment, the distance between a lower edge of the rear wall and the base wall of the trench in use is adjustable.

In one embodiment, the distance between a lower edge of the rear wall and the base wall of the trench is adjustable.

Advantageously, the rear wall of the delivery portion provides a means for controlling the aggregate material depth as well as a means for ensuring the laid aggregate material is substantially leveled.

In one embodiment, the membrane guide comprises first and second lateral channels for guiding the lateral side portions of the length portion of the elongate flexible membrane adjacent the side walls of the trench.

Advantageously, the membrane guide ensures the elongate flexible membrane is in the U-shaped configuration.

In one embodiment, the membrane guide comprises first and second lateral channels for guiding the lateral end portions of the length portion of the elongate flexible membrane to the folding means.

In one embodiment, the membrane guide comprises urging means for urging the lateral end portions in a generally upward direction.

Advantageously, this substantially ensures that the lateral end portions are fed into the folding means.

In one embodiment, the urging means comprises at least one roller associated with each lateral channel.

In one embodiment, the urging means comprises two rollers associated with each lateral channel, the rollers in each lateral channel arranged generally diagonally relative to the channel and at an angle of between 90 and 180 degrees to each other.

In one embodiment, the membrane guide comprises first and second bars respectively spaced from the aggregate material delivery means to form the first and second lateral channels.

In one embodiment, the folding means comprises two folding blades.

Advantageously, the folding blades provide a simple means of folding lateral ends of the membrane.

In one embodiment, the folding blades overlap and are vertically spaced from each other.

In one embodiment, the folding blades extend substantially horizontally.

In one embodiment, each folding blade comprises a respective leading edge, with the leading edge of one folding blade being disposed more forwardly than the leading edge of the other folding blade.

In one embodiment, each folding blade comprises a respective leading edge, wherein the leading edges of the folding blades are angled substantially rearwardly.

In one embodiment, the angle of the leading edge of each folding blades is adjustable.

In one embodiment, the folding blades are disposed downstream from the aggregate material delivery means.

In one embodiment, the vertical height of the folding blades is adjustable.

Advantageously, these features allow the folding blades to function in a better manner.

In one embodiment, the aggregate material delivery means comprises a delivery portion having a front wall, and the front edge of the membrane guide is defined by a lower edge of the front wall of the delivery portion.

Advantageously, this provides a simple but effective means of providing the front edge of the membrane guide.

In one embodiment, the delivery portion includes first and second side walls extending generally rearwardly from the front wall.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a membrane guide shield attached to the delivery portion, the membrane guide shield comprising a first shield member spaced from the first side wall of the delivery portion to define the first lateral channel therebetween, and a second shield member spaced from the second side wall of the delivery portion to define the second lateral channel therebetween.

Advantageously, this provides an effective means of providing the first and second lateral channels.

In one embodiment, the first and second shield members each have a trailing portion extending rearwardly, each trailing portion comprising a respective one of the folding blades.

Advantageously, this provides a simple means of providing the folding blades.

In one embodiment, the delivery portion comprises a rear wall and the folding blades are at a level above a lower edge of the rear wall.

Advantageously, this ensures the folding blades are at the proper height for folding the lateral ends of the membrane over the laid aggregate material.

In one embodiment, the elongate flexible membrane is rolled from a membrane reel, the apparatus comprising a membrane roll mount for carrying the membrane reel and allowing the elongate flexible membrane to be unrolled from the membrane reel and be disposed along the trench as the apparatus is moved along the trench.

Advantageously, the membrane roll mount allows the membrane roll to be received and rotated. This allows the membrane roll to continuously dispense the elongate flexible membrane and thus allow the apparatus to continuously form lengths of the drain assembly in use.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises formation means for forming a kink or groove in the elongate flexible membrane.

In one embodiment, the formation means comprises at least one roller.

Advantageously, the formed kink or groove assists in the guiding and folding of the lateral end portions.

In one embodiment, the membrane roll mount positions the membrane reel above and spaced from the trench in use.

Advantageously, this allows the membrane roll to be easily unrolled and located as required as the other parts of the apparatus will not impede the membrane roll.

In one embodiment, the elongate flexible membrane comprises a geotextile or other permeable fabric that allows liquids but not the aggregate material to pass therethrough.

Advantageously, this substantially ensures that the aggregate material is kept in position.

In one embodiment, the at least one elongate conduit comprises a perforated conduit.

Advantageously, this provides a conduit which easily allows fluids to enter same and transports the fluid as required.

Alternatively, the at least one elongate conduit comprises an elongate assembly comprising a generally corrugated core panel wrapped in a geotextile fabric.

Advantageously, this also provides a conduit which easily allows fluids to enter same and transports the fluid as required.

In an embodiment, wherein the at least one elongate conduit comprises two or more conduits.

In one embodiment, the two or more conduits are coupled to each other.

In one embodiment, the aggregate material is blue metal, gravel, sand, other rocks and/or no fines concrete

Advantageously, this provides aggregate which supports the conduit and allows liquids to pass therethrough and into the conduit.

The present invention also provides an assembly comprising the above apparatus and a towing means for towing the apparatus.

Advantageously, this provides a means for moving the apparatus for forming the drain assembly along the trench.

In one embodiment, the towing means is an excavator machine having an arm, wherein the arm of the excavator machine is coupled to the apparatus.

Advantageously, the excavator is can be a towing machine as it provides a number of advantages, such as an arm which can extend to the apparatus in the trench as required as well as being able to control and manipulate the apparatus as required.

In one embodiment, the assembly further comprises a supply means for supplying aggregate material to the aggregate material delivery means.

Advantageously, this will allow continuous forming of the drain assembly along the trench.

In one embodiment, the supply means comprises at least one agitator truck.

Alternatively, the supply means comprises at least one stemming truck.

Advantageously, this uses a proven and known machine to supply the aggregate material.

In one embodiment, the supply means is coupled to the towing means.

Advantageously, this allows the towing means, e.g., an excavator, to move concurrently with the supply means, e.g., an agitator truck. This ensures that these two machines do not hit each other as they move forward in laying the drain assembly along the trench.

The present invention also provides a vehicle comprising the above apparatus and a drive means for allowing the vehicle to be driven and thus allowing the apparatus to move along the trench.

Advantageously, this provides a complete vehicle which does not require a separate towing means.

In one embodiment, the drive means comprises at least one drive wheel and a power source for supplying drive power to the at least one drive wheel.

Advantageously, this provides a simple means to drive the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the at least one drive wheel drives at least one track.

Advantageously, the one or more continuous tracks provide a larger surface area such that the weight of the vehicle can be evenly distributed allowing the vehicle to transverse across soft or unstable ground.

The present invention also provides a method of forming a drainage assembly within and along an elongate trench, the trench generally having a base wall and side walls, the drainage assembly comprising an at least one elongate conduit extending along the trench and substantially surrounded by an aggregate material, the method comprising: positioning an apparatus in the trench, the apparatus having a conduit guide means for disposing a length portion of the at least one elongate conduit within the trench and an aggregate material delivery means for distributing aggregate material within the trench such that the length portion of the at least one elongate conduit within the trench is substantially surrounded by the aggregate material; and moving the apparatus along the trench to dispose subsequent length portions of the at least one elongate conduit and further aggregate material within and along the trench to form the drainage assembly.

Advantageously, the drain assembly is continuously formed in the elongate trench without the requirement of significant labour and skill. This is beneficial as it reduces the time and costs involved in installing a drainage system. Furthermore, as the formation of the drain assembly is automated, the build quality of the drain assembly is standardised.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises an elongate flexible membrane surrounding the aggregate material within the trench, the method further comprising: utilizing the apparatus to configure a length portion of the elongate flexible membrane into a channel configuration within the trench.

Advantageously, the apparatus forms the drain assembly by having the aggregate material and the at least one elongate conduit surrounded by the membrane. This ensures that the aggregate material remains in pace. This allows the drainage length to continue to function for a longer period of time.

In one embodiment, the length portion of the elongate flexible membrane is disposed under the length portion of the at least one elongate conduit for receiving the aggregate material therein.

Advantageously, this configures the elongate flexible membrane in an optimal manner for receiving the aggregate material,

In one embodiment, the step of moving the apparatus along the trench disposes subsequent length portions of the elongate flexible membrane in the channel configuration within the trench.

Advantageously, this automates configuration of the elongate flexible membrane.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of folding the lateral end portions of the elongate flexible membrane over each other and over the aggregate material to form the drainage assembly.

Advantageously, the apparatus completes the configuration of the elongate flexible membrane.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of attaching the apparatus to a towing means and operating the towing means for moving the apparatus along the trench.

Advantageously, this allows the apparatus to be moved along the trench.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of supplying an aggregate material to the aggregate material delivery means via an aggregate material supply source.

Advantageously, this will allow continuous forming of the drain assembly along the trench.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of coupling the aggregate material supply source to the towing means.

Advantageously, this allows the supply source and the towing means to move together to ensure they do not hit each other.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of towing the aggregate material supply source via the towing means.

Advantageously, this ensures the aggregate material supply source and the towing means move together.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a drive means for driving the apparatus along the trench, the method further comprising the step of operating the drive means to drive the apparatus along the trench.

Advantageously, this allows the apparatus to be self-propelled.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile apparatus for simultaneously disposing aggregate material and a perforated conduit within a membrane to form a drainage length and disposing the drainage length into an elongate trench when the mobile apparatus is progressed by a vehicle, the mobile apparatus comprising: a means for attachment to the vehicle; and a first and second chute wherein at least a portion of the first chute is disposed within the second chute, the first chute adapted to transport the aggregate material from a first supply zone into the second chute in use and guide the perforated conduit into the second chute in use, the first and second chute defining a passage therebetween wherein the passage is adapted such that the membrane can pass through it from a second supply zone into the second chute downstream of the first chute such that the membrane surrounds the aggregate material and the perforated conduit to form the drainage length, the drainage length exiting the second chute and being disposed into the elongate trench as the mobile apparatus is progressed by the vehicle in use.

Advantageously, the mobile apparatus can simultaneously and automatically form and dispose the drainage length into the elongate trench without requiring significant labour and skill. This is beneficial as it reduces the time and costs involved in installing a drainage system. Furthermore, as the formation of the drainage length is automated, the build quality of the drainage length is standardised.

Advantageously, the mobile apparatus forms the drainage length by having the aggregate material and the perforated conduit surrounded by the membrane. This reduces the chance of soil and other debris entering the drainage length and thereby reducing the porosity of the drain and clogging the perforated conduit. This allows the drainage length to continue to function for a longer period of time.

Advantageously, there is no need for different individual machinery to create a drainage length and then dispose it into the elongate trench.

Advantageously, the mobile apparatus is able to be attached to different types of vehicles to be easily transported and operated. Furthermore, the mobile apparatus is able to be detached from the vehicle when not in use such that the vehicle does not have to transport the mobile apparatus when not required.

In one embodiment, the first supply zone comprises a delivery hopper adapted to intake aggregate material and an exit opening located such that the aggregate material is fed into the first chute in use.

Advantageously, the delivery hopper intakes the aggregate material from the top and thus the mobile apparatus can be easily refilled with aggregate material.

Advantageously, the delivery hopper is able to act as temporary storage for the aggregate material due to its width and depth. This is beneficial in preventing overflow of the aggregate material in the delivery hopper such as when the delivery hopper intakes more aggregate material than is being fed into the first chute.

Advantageously, the delivery hopper uses gravitational forces to feed the aggregate material into the first chute in use. This is beneficial as the delivery hopper does not require additional equipment to transport the aggregate material into the first chute saving on costs and possible future repairs.

In one embodiment, the second chute has an exit opening and the height of the exit opening of the second chute is adjustable.

Advantageously, the exit opening is height adjustable such that the mobile apparatus is able to dispose the drainage length into elongate trenches of varying depths in use.

In one embodiment, the second chute has an exit opening adapted to be laterally movable.

Advantageously, the exit opening is laterally movable such that the mobile apparatus is able to dispose the drainage length into an elongate trench that is substantially curved or otherwise non-linear in use.

In one embodiment, the mobile apparatus further comprises a means for supplying the aggregate material to the delivery hopper.

In one embodiment, the means for supplying the aggregate material comprises a bulk hopper and a conveyor system, the bulk hopper being adapted to intake and temporarily store aggregate material, the conveyor system being adapted to transport aggregate material from the bulk hopper to the delivery hopper such that the delivery hopper intakes the aggregate material, the bulk hopper having an exit opening located such that the aggregate material is fed onto the conveyor system in use.

Advantageously, the bulk hopper intakes the aggregate material from the top and thus the mobile apparatus can be easily refilled with aggregate material.

Advantageously, the bulk hopper provides additional temporary storage for the aggregate material. This increases the capacity of the mobile apparatus and allows the mobile apparatus to dispose more lengths of the drainage length in between refills.

Advantageously, the bulk hopper uses gravitational forces to feed the aggregate material onto the conveyor system in use. This is beneficial as the bulk hopper does not require additional equipment to transport the aggregate material onto the conveyor system saving on costs and possible future repairs.

Advantageously, the conveyor system can continuously supply the delivery hopper with aggregate material such that in use the mobile apparatus can continuously form and dispose the drainage length.

In one embodiment, the mobile apparatus further comprises a means for supplying the perforated conduit to the first supply zone.

In one embodiment, the means for supplying the perforated conduit comprises a conduit roll receiving means adapted to receive a perforated conduit roll and to dispense the perforated conduit when the perforated conduit roll is caused to be rotated on the conduit roll receiving means in use.

Advantageously, the conduit roll receiving means allows the perforated conduit roll to be received and rotated. This allows the perforated conduit roll to continuously dispense the perforated conduit to supply the first supply zone and thus allow the mobile apparatus to form and dispose continuous lengths of the drainage length in use.

In one embodiment, the first chute comprises one or more guide tubes for guiding the perforated conduit dispensed by the perforated conduit roll into the second chute in use.

Advantageously, the one or more guide tubes ensure the perforated conduit is disposed near the bottom of the drainage length. This allows the perforated conduit to collect and direct drainage water more efficiently and effectively.

In one embodiment, the second supply zone comprises a membrane roll receiving means adapted to receive a membrane roll and to dispense the membrane when the membrane roll is caused to be rotated on the membrane roll receiving means in use.

Advantageously, the membrane roll receiving means allows the membrane roll to be received and rotated. This allows the membrane roll to continuously dispense the membrane to supply the second supply zone and thus allow the mobile apparatus to form and dispose continuous lengths of the drainage length in use.

In one embodiment, the second supply zone further comprises one or more drums adapted to change the direction from which the membrane is dispensed into the passage in use.

Advantageously, the direction change in which the membrane is dispensed into the passage allows the membrane to more easily enter the passage and to promote the membrane in surrounding the aggregate material and the perforated conduit to form the drainage length in use.

In one embodiment, the mobile apparatus further comprises one or more vibrators adapted to vibrate the first chute.

Advantageously, the one or more vibrators are able to vibrate the first chute in order to reduce the chance of the aggregate material and the perforated conduit from becoming clogged in use. Furthermore, the one or more vibrators assist in evenly distributing the aggregate material when forming the drainage length.

Advantageously, the one or vibrators are able to vibrate the delivery hopper to assist the aggregate material in being fed into the first chute and reduce clogging in use.

In one embodiment, the mobile apparatus further comprises one or more vibrators adapted to vibrate the second chute.

Advantageously, the one or more vibrators are able to vibrate the second chute in order to reduce the chance of the aggregate material, the perforated conduit and the membrane from becoming clogged in use. Furthermore, the one or more vibrators assist in evenly distributing the aggregate material when forming the drainage length.

In one embodiment, the mobile apparatus further comprises a backfilling means adapted to fill the elongate trench with backfill as the mobile apparatus is progressed by the vehicle.

Advantageously, the mobile apparatus can automatically fill the elongate trench with backfill after the drainage length is disposed into the elongate trench in use. This is beneficial as it saves on labour, time and costs.

In one embodiment, the backfilling means is one or more blades.

In one embodiment, the one or more blades are two blades arranged in a v-shape.

Advantageously, the two blades arranged in a v-shape allow the backfill disposed on either side of the elongate trench to be pushed and channeled into the elongate trench as the mobile apparatus is progressed in use.

In one embodiment, the mobile apparatus further comprises a compacting means located behind the backfilling means and adapted to compact the backfill.

Advantageously, the compacting means allows the mobile apparatus to automatically reduce the size of the backfill through compaction after the backfill has been disposed into the elongate trench as it is progressed in use. This is beneficial as it saves on labour, time and costs.

In one embodiment, the compacting means is one or more jumping jack compactors.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for simultaneously disposing aggregate material and a perforated conduit within a membrane to form a drainage length and disposing the drainage length into the elongate trench, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a mobile apparatus in alignment with the length of the elongate trench; and progressing the mobile apparatus along the length of the elongate trench such that the drainage length is disposed continuously into the elongate trench.

Advantageously, the drainage length is automatically formed and disposed into the elongate trench without the requirement of significant labour and skill. This is beneficial as it reduces the time and costs involved in installing a drainage system. Furthermore, as the formation of the drainage length is automated, the build quality of the drainage length is standardised.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of, during the step of progressing the mobile apparatus along the length of the elongate trench: transporting the aggregate material and the perforated conduit to a common location.

Advantageously, the aggregate material and the perforated conduit are transported to a common location simultaneously as the drainage length is disposed into the elongate trench. This allows a continuous supply of the aggregate material and the perforated conduit in the common location to form continuous lengths of the drainage length.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of, during the step of progressing the mobile apparatus along the length of the elongate trench: surrounding the aggregate material and the perforated conduit with the membrane to form the drainage length.

Advantageously, the aggregate material and the perforated conduit are surrounded by the membrane forming the drainage length simultaneously as the drainage length is disposed in the elongate trench. This allows the drainage length to be formed as it is being disposed.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of, before the step of progressing the mobile apparatus along the length of the elongate trench: fixing an end of the membrane in the elongate trench such that when the mobile apparatus is progressed the membrane is pulled into the elongate trench.

Advantageously, fixing the end of the membrane in the elongate trench allows there to be enough tension to pull the membrane into the elongate trench as the mobile apparatus is progressed.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of, before the step of progressing the mobile apparatus along the length of the elongate trench:

-   -   fixing an end of the perforated conduit in the elongate trench         such that when the mobile apparatus is progressed the perforated         conduit is pulled into the elongate trench.

Advantageously, fixing the end of the perforated conduit in the elongate trench allows there to be enough tension to pull the perforated conduit into the elongate trench as the mobile apparatus is progressed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle for simultaneously disposing aggregate material and a perforated conduit within a membrane to form a drainage length and disposing the drainage length into an elongate trench when the vehicle progresses, the vehicle comprising: a first and second chute wherein at least a portion of the first chute is disposed within the second chute, the first chute adapted to transport the aggregate material from a first supply zone into the second chute in use and guide the perforated conduit into the second chute in use, the first and second chute defining a passage therebetween wherein the passage is adapted such that the membrane can pass through it from a second supply zone into the second chute downstream of the first chute such that the membrane surrounds the aggregate material and the perforated conduit to form the drainage length, the drainage length exiting the second chute and being disposed into the elongate trench as the vehicle progresses in use.

Advantageously, the vehicle can simultaneously and automatically form and dispose the drainage length into the elongate trench without requiring significant labour and skill. This is beneficial as it reduces the time and costs involved in installing a drainage system. Furthermore, as the formation of the drainage length is automated, the build quality of the drainage length is standardised.

Advantageously, the vehicle forms the drainage length by having the aggregate material and the perforated conduit surrounded by the membrane. This reduces the chance of soil and other debris entering the drainage length and thereby reducing the porosity of the drain and clogging the perforated conduit. This allows the drainage length to continue to function for a longer period of time.

Advantageously, there is no need for different individual machinery to create a drainage length and then dispose it into the elongate trench.

Advantageously, the vehicle is self-propelled such that the vehicle is able to form and dispose the drainage length without any aid to progress in use.

In one embodiment, the first supply zone comprises a delivery hopper adapted to intake aggregate material and an exit opening located such that the aggregate material is fed into the first chute in use.

Advantageously, the delivery hopper intakes the aggregate material from the top and thus the vehicle can be easily refilled with aggregate material.

Advantageously, the delivery hopper is able to act as temporary storage for the aggregate material due to its width and depth. This is beneficial in preventing overflow of the aggregate material in the delivery hopper such as when the delivery hopper intakes more aggregate material than is being fed into the first chute.

Advantageously, the delivery hopper uses gravitational forces to feed the aggregate material into the first chute in use. This is beneficial as the delivery hopper does not require additional equipment to transport the aggregate material into the first chute saving on costs and possible future repairs.

In one embodiment, the second chute has an exit opening and the height of the exit opening of the second chute is adjustable.

Advantageously, the exit opening is height adjustable such that the vehicle is able to dispose the drainage length into elongate trenches of varying depths in use.

In one embodiment, the second chute has an exit opening adapted to be laterally movable.

Advantageously, the exit opening is laterally movable such that the vehicle is able to dispose the drainage length into an elongate trench that is substantially curved or otherwise non-linear in use.

In one embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a means for supplying the aggregate material to the delivery hopper.

In one embodiment, the means for supplying the aggregate material comprises a bulk hopper and a conveyor system, the bulk hopper being adapted to intake and temporarily store aggregate material, the conveyor system being adapted to transport aggregate material from the bulk hopper to the delivery hopper such that the delivery hopper intakes the aggregate material, the bulk hopper having an exit opening located such that the aggregate material is fed onto the conveyor system in use.

Advantageously, the bulk hopper intakes the aggregate material from the top and thus the vehicle can be easily refilled with aggregate material.

Advantageously, the bulk hopper provides additional temporary storage for the aggregate material. This increases the capacity of the vehicle and allows the vehicle to dispose more lengths of the drainage length in between refills.

Advantageously, the bulk hopper uses gravitational forces to feed the aggregate material onto the conveyor system in use. This is beneficial as the bulk hopper does not require additional equipment to transport the aggregate material onto the conveyor system saving on costs and possible future repairs.

Advantageously, the conveyor system can continuously supply the delivery hopper with aggregate material such that in use the vehicle can continuously form and dispose the drainage length.

In one embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a means for supplying the perforated conduit to the first supply zone.

In one embodiment, the means for supplying the perforated conduit comprises a conduit roll receiving means adapted to receive a perforated conduit roll and to dispense the perforated conduit when the perforated conduit roll is caused to be rotated on the conduit roll receiving means in use.

Advantageously, the conduit roll receiving means allows the perforated conduit roll to be received and rotated. This allows the perforated conduit roll to continuously dispense the perforated conduit to supply the first supply zone and thus allow the vehicle to form and dispose continuous lengths of the drainage length in use.

In one embodiment, the first chute comprises one or more guide tubes for guiding the perforated conduit dispensed by the perforated conduit roll into the second chute in use.

Advantageously, the one or more guide tubes ensure the perforated conduit is disposed near the bottom of the drainage length. This allows the perforated conduit to collect and direct drainage water more efficiently and effectively.

In one embodiment, the second supply zone comprises a membrane roll receiving means adapted to receive a membrane roll and to dispense the membrane when the membrane roll is caused to be rotated on the membrane roll receiving means in use.

Advantageously, the membrane roll receiving means allows the membrane roll to be received and rotated. This allows the membrane roll to continuously dispense the membrane to supply the second supply zone and thus allow the vehicle to form and dispose continuous lengths of the drainage length in use.

In one embodiment, the second supply zone further comprises one or more drums adapted to change the direction from which the membrane is dispensed into the passage in use.

Advantageously, the direction change in which the membrane is dispensed into the passage allows the membrane to more easily enter the passage and to promote the membrane in surrounding the aggregate material and the perforated conduit to form the drainage length in use.

In one embodiment, the vehicle further comprises one or more vibrators adapted to vibrate the first chute.

Advantageously, the one or more vibrators are able to vibrate the first chute in order to reduce the chance of the aggregate material and the perforated conduit from becoming clogged in use. Furthermore, the one or more vibrators assist in evenly distributing the aggregate material when forming the drainage length.

Advantageously, the one or vibrators are able to vibrate the delivery hopper to assist the aggregate material in being fed into the first chute and reduce clogging in use.

In one embodiment, the vehicle further comprises one or more vibrators adapted to vibrate the second chute.

Advantageously, the one or more vibrators are able to vibrate the second chute in order to reduce the chance of the aggregate material, the perforated conduit and the membrane from becoming clogged in use. Furthermore, the one or more vibrators assist in evenly distributing the aggregate material when forming the drainage length.

Advantageously, the one or vibrators are able to vibrate the delivery hopper to assist the aggregate material in being fed into the first chute and reduce clogging in use.

In one embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a backfilling means adapted to fill the elongate trench with backfill as the vehicle progresses.

Advantageously, the vehicle can automatically fill the elongate trench with backfill after the drainage length is disposed into the elongate trench in use. This is beneficial as it saves on labour, time and costs.

In one embodiment, the backfilling means is one or more blades.

In one embodiment, the one or more blades are two blades arranged in a v-shape.

Advantageously, the two blades arranged in a v-shape allow the backfill disposed on either side of the elongate trench to be pushed and channeled into the elongate trench as the vehicle is progressed in use.

In one embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a compacting means located behind the backfilling means and adapted to compact the backfill.

Advantageously, the compacting means allows the vehicle to automatically reduce the size of the backfill through compaction after the backfill has been disposed into the elongate trench as it is progressed in use. This is beneficial as it saves on labour, time and costs.

In one embodiment, the compacting means is one or more jumping jack compactors.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for simultaneously disposing aggregate material and a perforated conduit within a membrane to form a drainage length and disposing the drainage length into the elongate trench, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a vehicle in alignment with the length of the elongate trench; and progressing the vehicle along the length of the elongate trench such that the drainage length is disposed continuously into the elongate trench.

Advantageously, the drainage length is automatically formed and disposed into the elongate trench without the requirement of significant labour and skill. This is beneficial as it reduces the time and costs involved in installing a drainage system. Furthermore, as the formation of the drainage length is automated, the build quality of the drainage length is standardised.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of, during the step of progressing the vehicle along the length of the elongate trench: transporting the aggregate material and the perforated conduit to a common location.

Advantageously, the aggregate material and the perforated conduit are transported to a common location simultaneously as the drainage length is disposed into the elongate trench. This allows a continuous supply of the aggregate material and the perforated conduit in the common location to form continuous lengths of the drainage length.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of, during the step of progressing the vehicle along the length of the elongate trench: surrounding the aggregate material and the perforated conduit with the membrane to form the drainage length.

Advantageously, the aggregate material and the perforated conduit are surrounded by the membrane forming the drainage length simultaneously as the drainage length is disposed in the elongate trench. This allows the drainage length to be formed as it is being disposed.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of, before the step of progressing the vehicle along the length of the elongate trench: fixing an end of the membrane in the elongate trench such that when the vehicle progresses the membrane is pulled into the elongate trench.

Advantageously, fixing the end of the membrane in the elongate trench allows there to be enough tension to pull the membrane into the elongate trench as the vehicle progresses.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of, before the step of progressing the vehicle along the length of the elongate trench: fixing an end of the perforated conduit in the elongate trench such that when the vehicle progresses the perforated conduit is pulled into the elongate trench.

Advantageously, fixing the end of the perforated conduit in the elongate trench allows there to be enough tension to pull the perforated conduit into the elongate trench as the vehicle progresses.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a drainage assembly within and along an elongate trench, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Additional advantages and other features characteristic of the present invention will be set forth in the detailed description that follows and may be apparent from the detailed description or may be learned by practice of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Still other advantages of the invention may be realized by any of the instrumentalities, methods, or combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, which are not true to scale, and which, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to illustrate further various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a French drain assembly;

FIG. 2 is schematic side view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged view of the rear end portion of the apparatus of FIG. 2 including the mounting plate, support wheel, conduit guide tube and delivery hopper;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the delivery hopper with the membrane guide shield of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a schematic bottom view of the delivery hopper and the membrane guide shield;

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-section view of the membrane guide shield and the delivery portion of the delivery hopper in use at point A of FIG. 5 showing the configuration of the elongate flexible membrane at that point;

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-section view similar to FIG. 7, at point B of FIG. 5 showing the drain assembly being formed and the configuration of the elongate flexible membrane at that point;

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-section view similar to FIG. 8, at point C of FIG. 5 showing the formed drain assembly and the configuration the elongate flexible membrane at that point;

FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of the apparatus in use being towed by an excavator machine and with aggregate material being supplied by a cement truck agitator;

FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of a joining piece for the elongate conduit;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a mobile apparatus for simultaneously disposing aggregate material and a perforated conduit within a membrane to form a drainage length and disposing the drainage length into an elongate trench when the mobile apparatus is progressed by a vehicle;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the mobile apparatus of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 (a) to (f) show other configurations of drain assemblies which the present invention can be used to form;

FIG. 15 (a) shows an H-type conduit connector and (b) shows a Y-type conduit connector;

FIG. 16 shows a modified embodiment of the apparatus of FIGS. 2 to 6, with the circled portion showing a top view of the folding blades; and

FIG. 17 shows another modified embodiment of the apparatus of FIGS. 2 to 6, where (a) shows a part front bottom perspective view, (b) shows a part rear bottom perspective view, (c) shows another part rear bottom perspective view, (d) is a side view showing the membrane guide leading lateral end portions of the membrane to the folding blades, (e) shows guide wheels urging the membrane into the trench, (f) is a rear perspective view, (g) is a rear perspective view of (d), and (h) is a part side view showing the king formation means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. In describing the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. Terms such as “forward”, “rearward”, “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “forwardly”, “downwardly”, “upstream”, “downstream” and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points, and generally refer to the typical in use orientation of the apparatus described as shown in the drawings. These are not to be construed as limiting terms. The invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose.

Herein various embodiments of the present invention are described. In many of the different embodiments, features are similar. Therefore, to avoid redundancy, repetitive description of these similar features may not be made in some circumstances. It shall be understood, however, that description of a first-appearing feature applies to the later described similar feature and each respective description, therefore, is to be incorporated therein without such repetition.

Described now are exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown a first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 disposed along a trench 58 formed in the ground 55. The trench 58 includes a base wall 59 and side walls 57. In one embodiment, the base and side walls are respectively, base and side wall regions of a trench having in cross-section a continuously curved wall, the trench being substantially U-shaped or concave in cross-section.

The apparatus 10 comprises an elongate chassis 60 having a front section 61 and a rear section 62. At the rear section 62, the chassis 60 supports an aggregate material delivery means in the form of a delivery hopper 120, an elongate conduit roll 182 and an elongate flexible membrane roll 230.

The chassis front section 61 is a generally straight elongate section and includes a front end 63 and a rear end 64. The front section 61 is substantially parallel and spaced from the ground surface 56 in use. The chassis rear section 62 from the top view as shown in FIG. 3 is also generally straight. As can be seen in the side view shown in FIG. 2, the rear section 62 includes a raised portion 65 which is raised relative to the front section 61. The raised portion 65 is joined to the rear end 64 of the front section 61 by an upwardly angled portion 66. The rear section 62 also includes a rear angled portion 67 extending downwardly and rearwardly from the raised portion 65. The chassis 60 includes a mounting plate 75 (see FIG. 4) attached to the end of the rear angled portion 67.

Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, the chassis front end 63 includes a first attachment means 68 a for attachment to a towing vehicle such that the towing vehicle can move the apparatus 10 along the trench 58 in use. In one embodiment, the towing vehicle is an excavator and the first attachment means 68 a is a coupling for attachment to the arm of the excavator. The attachment means 68 a and the excavator arm maintain the generally upright orientation of the apparatus 10 in use. The rear section 62 is supported by a support wheel 70 which is secured to the mounting plate 75 via a wheel support 76 (see FIG. 4). Support wheel 70 rolls along the base wall 59 of the trench 58 in use. The length of the wheel support 76 can be adjusted which allows the delivery hopper 120 (attached to the mounting plate 75) to be raised or lowered as desired, the purpose of which is described below. The support wheel 70 and wheel support 76 are adapted to support the weight of the rear section 62 as required, including aggregate material poured into the delivery hopper 120 in use as also further described below.

A second attachment means 68 b is disposed in the chassis raised portion 65 and a third attachment means 68 c is disposed at the lower end of the chassis rear angled portion 67. The second and third attachment means 68 b and 68 c are identical to the first attachment means 68 a, and can be used for lifting the apparatus 10 as required, such as when the apparatus 10 is being positioned in use within the trench 58 or being lifted out of the trench 58. Further, in some embodiments, the chassis front section 61 can be detached from the rear section 62 and the apparatus 10 can be towed via attachment of an excavator arm with the second attachment means 68 b.

The membrane roll 230 is a continuous sheet of the elongate flexible membrane 40 (e.g. a geotextile material) rolled onto a membrane reel 69. The membrane reel 69 is supported by a membrane roll mount comprising a spindle 71 which extends below the chassis raised section 65 at which it positions the membrane roll 230 above and spaced from the ground surface 56 in use. The axis of the spindle 71 is generally horizontal and transverse to the longitudinal direction of the trench 58. This allows the elongate flexible membrane 40 to be unrolled and laid along the trench 58 as the apparatus 10 is moved forward as further described below. In this embodiment, the membrane roll 230 is 1000 mm to 6000 mm wide and a length of 250 m is rolled onto the membrane reel 69.

The conduit roll 182 is a continuous length of elongate conduit 30 rolled onto a conduit reel 77. The apparatus 10 includes a conduit roll mount 280 in the rear angled portion 67 of the chassis 60. The conduit roll mount 280 holds the conduit roll 182 such that the axis of the conduit reel 77 is generally horizontal and transverse to the longitudinal direction of the trench 58. Similar to that for the membrane roll 230, this allows the elongate conduit 30 to be unrolled and laid along the trench 58 as the apparatus 10 is moved forward as further described below. In this embodiment, the elongate conduit 30 is 50 mm to 200 mm in diameter and a length of 100 m is rolled onto the conduit reel 77. The conduit roll mount 280 allows a second conduit roll 182 a to be mounted thereon providing the apparatus 10 with additional capacity such that the apparatus 10 is able to dispose more lengths of the elongate conduit 30 between refills.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the mounting plate 75 includes a conduit guide tube 78 into which the elongate conduit 30 extends. The conduit guide tube 78 includes an upper entry portion 78 a, a middle portion 78 b and a lower end 78 c. The upper entry portion 78 a extends generally upwardly above the mounting plate 75 between the chassis angled portion 67 and the delivery hopper 120. The middle portion 78 b curves from the upper entry portion 78 a towards the lower end of a front wall 126 of the delivery hopper 120. The lower end 78 c of the conduit guide tube 78 extends through an aperture 111 (shown in FIG. 5) of the front wall 126 of the delivery hopper 120. The aperture 111 is at a location in the front wall 126 which is spaced from a lower edge 134 thereof. The longitudinal axis of the lower end 78 c of the conduit guide tube 78 is generally horizontal and aligned with the trench 58 for directing the conduit 30 to be laid within and along the trench 58. In an alternative embodiment, the distance between the lower end 78 c of the conduit guide tube 78 and the ground can be adjusted.

Whilst the elongate conduit 30 is generally circular in cross-section, the conduit guide tube 78 is generally rectangular (can also be square) in cross-section. The purpose of this generally rectangular cross-section is described below.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the delivery hopper 120 includes an upper funnel portion 121 and a lower delivery portion 122. The funnel portion 121 is mounted to the mounting plate 75 and has a rectangular funnel shape formed by its angled front wall 123, side walls 124 and rear wall 125. An intake opening 150 is defined by upper edges 131 of the walls 123 to 125 and an outlet opening 133 (shown in FIG. 3) is defined by lower ends 132 of the walls 123 to 125. The outlet opening 133 can include a gate or other means for selecting the size of the opening 133, for controlling the volume flow rate of aggregate material 20 exiting same in use.

The delivery portion 122 extends from the lower ends 132 of the funnel portion walls 123 to 125. The delivery portion 122 includes a front wall 126, side walls 127 and a rear wall 128 which extend from the respective corresponding front, side and rear walls 123 to 125 of the funnel portion 121. The delivery portion walls 126 to 128 all extend substantially vertically downwardly.

The height of the front wall 126 from its lower edge 134 to the lower end 132 of the funnel portion front wall 123 is a first predetermined height, as the lower edge 134 urges a middle portion 40 a of the membrane 40 in use to a position adjacent the base wall 59 of the trench 58 and for positioning the lower end 78 c of the conduit guide tube 78 adjacent but spaced from the base wall 59. The height of the rear wall 128 from its lower edge 135 to the lower end 132 of the funnel portion rear wall 125 is a second predetermined height which is shorter than the first predetermined height. The second predetermined height is chosen such that a distance between the base wall 59 of the trench 58 and the lower edge 135 of the rear wall 128 in use will substantially provide the height of the aggregate material 20 in the formed drain assembly 50 within the trench 58. The side walls 127 include angled lower edges 136 which extend from respective ends of the front wall lower edge 134 and the rear wall lower edge 135. The side walls 127 assist in distribution of the aggregate material within the trench 58 in use.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the apparatus 10 includes a membrane guide shield 142 attached to the funnel delivery portion 122. The guide shield 142 includes a first shield member 142 a attached to a first (left) side wall 127, and a second shield member 142 b attached to the second (right) side wall 127. Each shield member 142 a and 142 b is only attached to its corresponding side wall 127 at a portion 141 along its top edge which is adjacent the delivery portion rear wall 128. This forms an elongate channel 143 between each delivery portion side wall 127 and the respective shield members 142 a and 142 b. The channels 143 are for guiding respective lateral portions of the membrane 40 in use as further described below.

The shield members 142 a and 142 b include side panels 147 which are generally aligned with the side walls 127 and are spaced and generally parallel thereto. The shield members 142 a and 142 b each include a lead portion 144 which extend forwardly from the side panels 147 and beyond the front wall 126 of the delivery portion 122. The lead portions 144 are angled slightly toward the front wall 126 to substantially avoid engagement with the side walls 57 of the trench 58 in use. The shield members 142 a and 142 b also each include a trailing portion 145 which extend rearwardly from the side panels 147 beyond the rear wall 128 of the delivery portion 122. Each trailing portion 145 includes a respective folding blade 145 a, 145 b. The folding blades 145 a, 145 b extend substantially horizontally and are vertically spaced from each other. Each folding blade 145 a, 145 b includes a respective leading edge 146 a, 146 b which are angled rearwardly relative to the side panels 147, with the leading edge 146 b of the folding blade 145 b being disposed more forwardly (i.e. closer to the rear wall 128) than the leading edge 146 a of the folding blade 145 a. As best shown in FIG. 4, the folding blades 145 a and 145 b are at a level above the lower edge 135 of the delivery portion rear wall 128.

Referring to FIG. 4, the apparatus 10 also comprises a vibrator 221 attached to the front wall 123 of the delivery hopper funnel portion 121 for vibrating the delivery hopper 120 to reduce the chance of the aggregate material 20 becoming clogged therein in use. Furthermore, the vibrator 221 can assist in evenly distributing the aggregate material 20 when forming the drain assembly 50. The vibrator can also assist in compaction of the laid aggregate material 20. The vibrator 221 can alternatively be attached, or further vibrators can be attached, to the chassis 60.

Referring to FIG. 2, the apparatus 10 also comprises a membrane guide wheel 151 supported by a rod 152 extending from the chassis angled portion 67. The guide wheel 151 in use is spaced from the angled portion 67 and the trench base 59, and is used for guiding and maintaining tension in the elongate flexible membrane 40 in use.

Operation and use of the apparatus 10 will now be described. Referring to FIG. 10, the trench 58 is typically formed alongside a road 180. The drain assembly 50 is then formed within and along the trench 58 for directing water away from the road surface.

FIG. 10 shows the apparatus 10 positioned in use in the trench 58 (also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). The apparatus 10 is towed by an excavator 200 by coupling an arm 201 of the excavator 200 to the first attachment means 68 a in the chassis front portion 61. The chassis rear portion 62 is supported by the support wheel 70. As described above, the attachment means 68 a and the excavator arm 201 maintain the generally upright orientation of the apparatus 10 in use. As the apparatus 10 is supported by only one pivot point along the trench base wall 59, being the support wheel 70, the excavator arm 201 can be used to guide the apparatus 10 along any turns or curves of the trench 58, as the trench 58 follows the typical turns and curves of the road 180 for example. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, generally, only the hopper delivery portion 122, the support wheel 70 and the membrane guide wheel 151 extend within the trench 58 in use. The rest of the apparatus 10 is disposed generally above the ground surface 56.

The excavator 200 will be driven along the road 180 with its arm 201 extending generally sideways and rearwardly to tow the apparatus 10. An excavator 200 in this orientation is the towing vehicle as it is often not possible for a towing machine to straddle the trench 58 (i.e. having left and right side wheels thereof on either side of the trench). This is because the trench, being formed alongside the road, often has an embankment, road barrier or other physical structure on its other side opposite to the road, which would prevent access to a towing vehicle straddling the trench.

A cement agitator truck 205 in this embodiment carries the aggregate material 20 within its barrel 206. A transfer chute 207 of the agitator truck 205 is used to deliver aggregate material 20 to the delivery hopper funnel portion 121 as controlled by an operator. In this embodiment, the excavator 200 can be coupled to the agitator truck 205 via a link 208 such that the excavator 200 and the truck 205 move together in the forward direction (as indicated by arrow 210) to avoid these two machines hitting each other. In such an embodiment, the excavator 200 can also be used to pull the agitator truck 205 to provide the concurrent movement of the excavator 200 and truck 205.

In the initial set up for forming a drain assembly 50 within the trench 58, the lead length portion of the elongate flexible membrane 40 is unrolled from the membrane roll 230 and the apparatus 10 is moved forward to place a middle portion 40 a of the elongate flexible membrane 40 under the support wheel 70 (see also FIG. 7). Lateral side portions 40 b of the elongate flexible membrane 40 are then fed through the channels 143 between the funnel delivery portion side walls 127 and the guide shield members 142 a and 142 b. The membrane lateral portions 40 b are also generally supported by the trench side walls 57. Thus, an initial length portion of the elongate flexible membrane 40 is provided as a channel configuration which is a generally U-shaped initial cross-section configuration. An end portion of the elongate flexible membrane 40 is then fixed to the trench base 59 by stakes rearwardly of the shield member trailing portions 145.

A lead length portion of the elongate conduit 30 is then fed through the conduit guide tube 78, such that an initial length portion thereof extends generally under the delivery hopper 120 and above the length portion of the elongate flexible membrane 40 in the channel configuration. An end portion of the elongate conduit 30 is also fixed to the trench base 59 by stakes rearwardly of the shield member trailing portions 145.

Aggregate material 20 is delivered from the truck barrel 206 via its delivery chute 207 into the delivery hopper funnel portion 121. The outlet opening 133 of the funnel portion is then controlled to deliver the aggregate material 20 into the trench 58 over the membrane middle portion 40 a and to surround the elongate conduit 30.

The excavator 200 is then used to tow the apparatus 10 and the truck 205 forward. As the end portions of the conduit 30 and membrane 40 are fixed to the trench base 59, as well as initial length portions thereof being weighed down by the aggregate material 20, movement of the apparatus 10 forward unrolls subsequent length portions of the elongate conduit 30 and the elongate flexible membrane 40 from their respective rolls 230 and 182. The generally U-shaped channel configuration of the membrane 40 is also shown in FIG. 7. The membrane is guided into this configuration by a lower edge 134 of the delivery portion front wall 126 and the channels 143. The elongate conduit 30 extends through the front wall aperture 111 via the guide tube lower portion 78 c at which the conduit 30 is spaced from the trench base 59. As the apparatus 10 is moved forward and aggregate material 20 fills the U-shaped membrane 40 and the trench 58, the lower edge 135 of the delivery portion rear wall 128 effectively levels and controls the height of the aggregate material 20 within the trench 58. The delivery portion side walls 127 assist in distributing the aggregate material 20 within the trench 58. The shield member lead portions 144 are angled inwardly to substantially avoid engagement with the trench side walls 57.

The folding blades 145 and 145 b then fold lateral end portions of the membrane 40 over the laid aggregate material 20. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the leading edge 146 b of the folding blade 145 b firstly engages the membrane lateral end portion 40 c to fold it over the laid aggregate material 20. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, downstream of the leading edge 146 b, the leading edge 146 a of the folding blade 145 a then engages the other membrane lateral end portion 40 d to fold it over the laid aggregate material 20, thus resulting in a formed drain assembly 50 as also shown in FIG. 1.

The apparatus 10 can thus be used to substantially continuously form a drain assembly 50 within the trench 58. The apparatus 10 can be stopped briefly to change the membrane roll 230 when empty, with the start of the new roll being attached to the end of the previous roll. Similarly, the end of the conduit roll 182 can be attached to the start of the conduit roll 182 a. The conduit roll 182 can then be replaced with a new roll. The aggregate material 20 can be substantially continuously supplied to the delivery hopper 120 via a number of trucks 205 used sequentially. When the truck 205 is empty, it is disconnected from the excavator 200 and a full truck 205 is then connected to the excavator 200. The delivery hopper funnel portion 121 is able to act as temporary storage for the aggregate material 20 due to its width and depth during this truck change. This allows the process to continue even during the truck change or when the truck cannot move with the apparatus 10 due to a physical barrier in its way. This is also beneficial in preventing overflow of the aggregate material 20 in the delivery hopper 120 such as when the delivery hopper 120 intakes more aggregate material 20 than is fed into the outlet opening 133. As the delivery hopper 120 intakes the aggregate material 20 from the top, it is easily refilled with aggregate material 20. Also, the rectangular funnel shape of the delivery hopper 120 and the location of the outlet opening 133 allow the delivery hopper 120 to use gravitational forces to feed the aggregate material 20.

The purpose of the rectangular cross-section shape of the conduit tube 78 will now be described. Some regulations require the drain assembly 50 to include risers (outlets that extend upwardly) or side branches at specified intervals for communicating fluid in the drain assembly 50 to a desired location. In this case, a joining piece 220 (shown in FIG. 11) is used which comprises a tube body 221 having two open ends 222 and a side outlet 223. The elongate conduit 30 is cut and the open ends 222 are used to join the cut ends of the elongate conduit 30. The side outlet 223 is then oriented in the conduit guide tube 78 in the direction it is required to extend in the formed drain assembly 50. The square cross-section of the conduit tube 78 maintains the selected orientation of the side outlet 223. For example, if a riser is required, the side outlet 223 is oriented in the conduit tube 78 toward the direction of the delivery hopper 120 such that the side outlet 223 will face upwardly in the laid elongate conduit 30. If a side branch is required, the side outlet 223 is oriented to face toward the side of the conduit guide tube 78 and this side orientation is maintained in the laid elongate conduit 30.

The present invention thus provides an apparatus and method for forming a drain assembly within a trench which significantly reduces labour and skill requirements. This reduces the time and costs involved in installing a drainage system. Also, there is no need for different individual machinery for disposing the elongate flexible membrane 40, the elongate conduit 30 and the aggregate material 20 into the trench 58. Furthermore, as the formation of the drain assembly 50 is automated, the build quality of the drain assembly 50 is standardised and consistent along its length.

In this embodiment, the length of the wheel support 76 (see FIG. 4) is adjustable such that the distance between the trench base 59 and the mounting plate 75 can be adjusted. This allows the distance between the trench base 59 and the laid conduit 30 to be selected, as well as the height of the laid aggregate material 20 via the lower edge 135 of the delivery portion rear wall 128. Thus, the apparatus 10 is able to form the drain assembly 50 into trenches of varying depths in use. In a possible modification, the distance between the lower edge 134 (see FIG. 5) of the delivery portion front wall 126 and the aperture 111 can be adjustable by for example providing the aperture 111 in a movable slot in the front wall 126. This would allow the depth of the laid elongate conduit 30 to be adjusted as desired. Similarly, providing an adjustable height delivery portion rear wall 128 will allow adjustment of the formed aggregate material depth to be selected as desired.

The present invention also an assembly comprising the above apparatus and a towing means for towing the apparatus. The towing means is, in one embodiment, an excavator machine having an arm, wherein the arm of the excavator machine is coupled to the apparatus.

The present invention also provides a vehicle comprising the above apparatus and a drive means for allowing the vehicle to be driven and thus allowing the apparatus to move along the trench. The vehicle can thus self-propel itself such that it is able to form the drain assembly 50 without any aid to progress in use. In this embodiment, the vehicle is also able to steer and control its speed such that it can navigate along the trench. It will be appreciated that, in this embodiment, the drive means may comprise one or more driven wheels, or continuous tracks that are driven by two or more wheels provided at the chassis front portion 61 for example. The one or more continuous tracks provide a larger surface area such that the weight of the vehicle can be evenly distributed allowing the vehicle to transverse across soft or unstable ground.

In an alternative subsoil drainage assembly, the conduit 30 is replaced by an elongate assembly 30 a (see FIG. 14( a) comprising a generally corrugated core panel wrapped in geotextile filter fabric. This conduit product is commercially available under the trademark STRIPDRAIN or MEGAFLO and is generally an elongate oblong in cross-section shape. In this drainage assembly, the STRIPDRAIN/MEGAFLO assembly 30 a is laid along one of its lateral sides in the trench, such that it is in a generally sideways upright orientation. Aggregate material (typically sand) is then laid to surround the STRIPDRAIN. This assembly does not require an additional elongate flexible membrane 40 to surround the aggregate material, but can also include such a membrane 40. The apparatus 10 can be modified to form this alternative drain assembly modifying the cross-section shape of the conduit guide tube 78 to the required upright orientation of the STRIPDRAIN. The conduit guide tube 78 will thus have a generally elongate rectangular shape which is oriented substantially vertically upright at the guide tube end portion 78 c. In laying such an assembly, the membrane roll 230 may not be required and the elongate conduit roll 182 is replaced with a roll of the STRIPDRAIN. The delivery hopper 120 will be used to supply the aggregate material as required.

As shown above, the conduit guide tube can be shaped and dimensioned to suit any elongate conduit cross section as desired.

In another embodiment, the drainage assembly can include one or more elongate conduits. If there are two or more elongate conduits 30 in the drainage assembly, the conduits 30 can be disposed adjacent each other (see FIG. 14( e)) or spaced from each other (see FIG. 14( b) and (f).

If the conduits 30 are to be disposed adjacent each other (see FIG. 14( e)), the conduit guide tube may be shaped and dimensioned to receive the elongate conduits together and dispose lengths thereof in the relative configuration. One conduit for example may be perforated and the other conduit is non-perforated, with fluid joins being disposed between the conduits at spaced intervals along their lengths. The conduits can be joined using H-type connectors as shown in FIG. 15( a) or Y-type connectors as shown in FIG. 15( b). With the H-type connector, two conduits can be joined to two further conduits and with the Y-type connector, one conduit can be joined to two conduits or vice versa.

In one embodiment, the conduit guide means is adapted to dispose a length portion of one elongate conduit at one position within the trench and to dispose a length portion of another elongate conduit at another position within the trench (see FIG. 14( b) and (f)).

In this embodiment, the apparatus can include more than one conduit guide tubes for separately guiding respective elongate conduits. Advantageously, this allows the elongate conduits to be disposed at different positions within the trench as required.

In another embodiment, the conduit guide means is adapted to dispose a length portion of the elongate conduit at a position offset from the central portion of the trench (see FIG. 14( c)).

The embodiments described generally relate to a substantially upright rectangular shaped trench. If the trench cross-section varies, the front wall of the delivery portion can be replaced or modified with a front wall having the required specific shape corresponding to the required trench and drain assembly cross section shape. The trench can be of other shapes such as an inverted L-shape (see FIG. 14( d)), or a T-shape (see FIG. 14( f)). In these embodiments, the aggregate material means is adapted to fill such shapes.

According to another aspect there is provided a mobile apparatus 2010, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, for simultaneously disposing aggregate material 20 and a perforated conduit 30 within a membrane 40 to form a drainage length 50 and disposing the drainage length 50 into an elongate trench when the mobile apparatus 2010 is progressed by a vehicle (not shown).

The mobile apparatus 2010 comprises a chassis 2060 that is rectangular in shape and is planar. The chassis 2060 is strong and rigid such that it is able to support heavy loads and maintain the structural integrity of the mobile apparatus 2010. Thus, the chassis 2060 is constructed from a material such as steel or carbon-fibre which has a high Young's modulus and is able to withstand significant stresses without failure. The mobile apparatus 2010 further comprises four wheels 2070 and two axles 2080, 2080′. The axle 2080 is located in a front portion 2090 of the chassis 2060 and is rotatably attached to the underside of the chassis 2060 such that the axle 2080 is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the chassis 2060. The other axle 2080′ is located in a back portion 2100 of the chassis 2060 and is also rotatably attached to the underside of the chassis 2060 such that the axle 2080′ is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the chassis 2060. Each of the axles 2080, 2080′ has two ends and each end has one of the wheels 2070 attached. The wheels 2070 support the weight of the mobile apparatus 2010 in a stable manner and allow the mobile apparatus 2010 to be progressed by the vehicle with significantly reduced friction with the ground. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the axles 2080, 2080′ are fixedly attached to the underside of the chassis 2060 while the wheels 2070 are rotatably attached to the ends of the axles 2080, 2080′.

The mobile apparatus 2010 further comprises a means for attachment to the vehicle such that the vehicle can progress the mobile apparatus 2010. In this embodiment, the means for attachment to the vehicle is a trailer coupler (not shown) extending from the front portion 2090 of the chassis 2060. The trailer coupler allows the mobile apparatus 2010 to securely attach to a tow bar of the vehicle such that the mobile apparatus 2010 is able to be towed. The trailer coupler also allows the mobile apparatus 2010 to be attached to different types of vehicles to be easily transported and operated (e.g. a tractor). Furthermore, the mobile apparatus 2010 is able to be detached from the vehicle when not in use such that the vehicle does not have to transport the mobile apparatus 2010 when not required.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the mobile apparatus 2010 further comprises a delivery hopper 2120, a first chute 2130 and second chute 2140. The delivery hopper 2120 is shaped as a rectangular funnel and has an intake opening 2150 located at the top of the delivery hopper 2120 and an exit opening 2160 located at the bottom of the delivery hopper 2120. The intake opening 2150 allows the delivery hopper 2120 to intake aggregate material 20 and the exit opening 2160 allows the delivery hopper 2120 to feed aggregate material 20 into the first chute 2130. The intake opening 2150 is significantly larger than the exit opening 2160 allowing more aggregate material 20 to be received by the delivery hopper 2120 than is fed into the first chute 2130 at a given point in time. The delivery hopper 2120 is able to act as temporary storage for the aggregate material 20 due to its width and depth. This is beneficial in preventing overflow of the aggregate material 20 in the delivery hopper 2120 such as when the delivery hopper 2120 intakes more aggregate material 20 than is fed into the first chute 2130. The delivery hopper 2120 is located in the front portion 2090 of the chassis 2060 and is supported upright such that the intake opening 2160 is parallel with the chassis 2060. As the delivery hopper 2120 intakes the aggregate material 20 from the top, the mobile apparatus 2010 is easily refilled with aggregate material 20. Also, the rectangular funnel shape of the delivery hopper 2120 and the location of the exit opening 2160 allow the delivery hopper 2120 to use gravitational forces to feed the aggregate material 20 into the first chute 2130.

The first chute 2130 extends downwardly and backwardly from the bottom of the delivery hopper 2120 and through the chassis 2060. The first chute 2130 has a cross-section that is rectangular in shape and is adapted to transport the aggregate material 20 and guide the perforated conduit 30 into the second chute 2140. The first chute 2130 comprises a top portion 2166 and a bottom portion 2167. The top portion 2166 has an intake opening 2170 and the bottom portion 2167 has an exit opening 2180. The intake opening 2170 is aligned and connected to the exit opening 2160 of the delivery hopper 2120 such that the aggregate material 20 is able to be transported into the first chute 2130. The exit opening 2180 allows the first chute 2130 to feed the aggregate material 20 into the second chute 2140. As the first chute 2130 extends downwardly and backwardly, the first chute 2130 utilises gravitational forces to transport the aggregate material 20 from the intake opening 2170 to the exit opening 2180 and to eventually feed the aggregate material 20 into the second chute 2140.

The first chute 2130, as shown in FIG. 2, further comprises a guide tube 2181 for guiding the perforated conduit 30 from a perforated conduit roll 2182 into the second chute 2140 in use. The guide tube 2181 is hollow and cylindrical in shape allowing the perforated conduit 30 to pass easily therethrough. The guide tube 2181 extends from the intake opening 2150 of the delivery hopper 2120 to the exit opening 2180 of the first chute 2130. The guide tube 2181 is orientated to ensure that when the perforated conduit 30 passes therethrough, the perforated conduit 30 is disposed near the bottom of the drainage length 50 as shown in FIG. 3. This allows the perforated conduit 30 to collect and redirect drainage water more efficiently and effectively when the drainage length 50 is installed.

The second chute 2140 has a rectangular cross-section and comprises a top portion 2190 and a bottom portion 2200. The top portion 2190 has an intake opening 2210 and the bottom portion 2200 has an exit opening 2220. The intake opening 2210 is adapted to receive the bottom portion 2167 of the first chute 2130 such that the received bottom portion 2167 is disposed within the top portion 2190 of the second chute 2140 and the first chute 2130 and second chute 2140 are attached. The exit opening 2220 of the second chute 2140 is located backwardly and downwardly from the exit opening 2180 of the first portion 2130 such that the aggregate material 20 is able to be transported from the first chute 2130 into the second chute 2140 and to the exit opening 2220 by gravitational forces. The received bottom portion 2167 of the first chute 2130 and the top portion 2190 of the second chute 2140 define a passage (not shown) therebetween. The passage is adapted such that the membrane 40 can pass through it from a membrane roll 2230 into the second chute 2140 continuing downstream of the exit opening 2180 of the first chute 2130 such that the membrane 40 surrounds the aggregate material 20 and the perforated conduit 30 to form the drainage length 50. The membrane 40 surrounds the aggregate material 20 and the perforated conduit 30 because the passage forces the membrane 40 to be folded four times along its length as the membrane 40 passes such that the two longitudinal edges of the membrane 40 overlap on the top of the drainage length 50 as shown in FIG. 3. The membrane 40 reduces the chance of soil and other debris from entering the drainage length 50 and thereby reducing the porosity of the drain and clogging the perforated conduit 30 when installed as shown in FIG. 3. This allows the drainage length 50 to continue to function for a longer period of time. The exit opening 2220 of the second chute 2140 is adapted to allow the formed drainage length 50 to exit the second chute 2140 and be disposed into the trench as the mobile apparatus 2010 is progressed by the vehicle in use. The exit opening 2220 is positioned in close proximity to the base of the trench such that the drainage length 50 is disposed in a stable manner.

It will be appreciated that the first chute 2130 is releasably attached to the delivery hopper 2120 such that the first chute 2130 can be easily removed or replaced. Similarly, it will be appreciated that the second chute 2140 is also releasably attached to the first chute 2130 such that the second chute 2140 can be easily removed or replaced. This is beneficial when the first chute 2130 or the second chute 2140 is required to be interchanged with another first chute 2130 or another second chute 2140 of different dimensions.

To vibrate the second chute 2140, the mobile apparatus 2010 further comprises a vibrator 2221 attached to the second chute 2140. The vibrator 2221 is able to vibrate the second chute 2140 in order to reduce the chance of the aggregate material 20, the perforated conduit 30 and the membrane 40 from becoming clogged in use. Furthermore, the vibrator 2221 assists in evenly distributing the aggregate material 20 when forming the drainage length 50. The vibrator 221 is also able to partially vibrate the delivery hopper 2120 and first chute 2130 to assist the aggregate material 20 in being fed into the first chute 2130 and second chute 2140 and thereby reducing clogging in use. In other embodiments, the vibrator 2221 is attached to the first chute 2130.

It will be appreciated that before the mobile apparatus 2010 is progressed by the vehicle in use, the end of the perforated conduit 30 is guided through the guide tube 2181 and entered into the second chute 2140. The end of the perforated conduit 30 is then passed through the exit opening 2220 of the second chute 2140 to be fixed into the trench. The fixation of the end of the perforated conduit into the trench provides the tension force required to pull the perforated conduit 30 continuously out from the perforated conduit roll 2182 as the mobile apparatus 2010 is progressed by the vehicle. This allows the perforated conduit 30 to be transported through the guide tube 2181, the first chute 2130 and the second chute 2140 to be used in the formation of the drainage length 50 and disposed into the trench. In this embodiment, the end of the perforated conduit 30 is simply staked into the trench to fix it. Similarly, before the mobile apparatus 2010 is progressed by the vehicle in use, the end of the membrane 40 is passed through the passage and into the second chute 2140. The end of the membrane 40 is passed through the second chute 2140 and exited through the exit opening 2220 to be fixed into the trench. The fixation of the end of the membrane 2010 into the trench provides the tensional force required to pull the membrane continuously out from the membrane roll 2230 as the mobile apparatus 2010 is progressed by the vehicle. This allows the membrane 40 to be transported through the passage and the second chute 2140 to be used in the formation of the drainage length 50 and disposed into trench. In this embodiment, the end of the perforated conduit 30 is simply staked into the elongate trench to fix it. As the aggregate material 20 is able to be transported from the delivery hopper 120, through the first 2130 and second 2140 chute to the exit opening 2220 of the second chute 2140 by gravitational forces, the mobile apparatus 2010 can simultaneously and automatically form the drainage length 50 in the second chute 2140 and dispose the drainage length 50 into the trench without the requirement of significant labour and skill. This is beneficial as it reduces the time and costs involved in installing a drainage system. Also, there is no need for different individual machinery for disposing the membrane 40, the perforated conduit 30 and the aggregate material 20 into the trench. Furthermore, as the formation of the drainage length 50 is automated, the build quality of the drainage length 50 is standardised.

In this embodiment, the exit opening 2220 of the second chute 2140 is height adjustable such that the distance between the base of the trench and the exit opening 2220 can be adjusted. This allows the mobile apparatus 2010 to be able to dispose the drainage length 50 into trenches of varying depths in use. The height adjustability of the exit opening 2220 of the second chute 2140 is achieved by virtue of the height adjustability of the delivery hopper 2120. The delivery hopper 2120 is supported on the chassis 2060 such that it is able to move upwardly and downwardly relative to the chassis 2060. The movement of the delivery hopper 2120 upwardly or downwardly moves the first chute 2130 and second chute 2140 as the first chute 2130 and the second chute 2140 are connected to the delivery hopper 2120 directly or indirectly. This in turn allows the exit opening 2220 to be moved upwardly or downwardly depending on the depth of the trench.

The exit opening 2220 of the second chute 2140 is laterally movable such that the mobile apparatus 2010 is able to dispose the drainage length 50 into trenches that are non-linear in use. The laterally movability of the exit opening 2220 of the second chute 2140 is achieved by virtue of the laterally movability of the delivery hopper 2120. The deliver hopper 2120 is supported on the chassis 2060 such that the delivery hopper 2120 is able to move laterally relative to the chassis 2060. In this embodiment, the delivery hopper 2120 is attached to rails that are orientated transverse to the length of the chassis 2060 such that the delivery hopper 2120 is able to slide along the rails freely. The lateral movement of the delivery hopper 2120 laterally moves the first 2130 and second 2140 chutes as the first 2130 and second 2140 chutes are connected to the delivery hopper 2120 directly or indirectly. This in turn allows the exit opening 2220 to be laterally movable depending on the line of the trench.

The mobile apparatus 2010 further comprises a bulk hopper 2240 and a conveyor system 2250. The bulk hopper 2240 is adapted to intake and temporarily store aggregate material. The bulk hopper 2240 is shaped as a rectangular funnel and has an intake opening 2260 located at the top of the bulk hopper 2240 and an exit opening 2270 located at the bottom of the bulk hopper 2240. The intake opening 2260 allows the bulk hopper 2240 to intake aggregate material 20 and the exit opening 2270 allows the bulk hopper 2240 to feed aggregate material 20 onto the conveyor system 2250. The bulk hopper 2240 is located in the back portion 2100 of the chassis 2060 and is supported upright. The location of the intake opening 2260 allows the bulk hopper 2240 to intake the aggregate material 20 from the top and thus be easily refilled (e.g. by a front end loader). The intake opening 2260 is significantly larger than the exit opening 2270 allowing more aggregate material 20 to be received by the bulk hopper 2240 than is fed onto the conveyor system 2250. The bulk hopper 2240, in this embodiment, is larger than the delivery hopper 2120 and provides the mobile apparatus 2010 with additional temporary storage for the aggregate material 20. This increases the capacity of the mobile apparatus 2010 and allows the mobile apparatus 2010 to dispose more drainage length 50 between refills. The rectangular funnel shape of the bulk hopper 2240 and the location of the exit opening 2270 allow the bulk hopper 2240 to utilise gravitational forces to feed the aggregate material 20 onto the conveyor system 2250 in use. This is beneficial as the bulk hopper 2240 does not require additional equipment to transport the aggregate material 20 onto the conveyor system 2250 saving on costs and possible future repairs.

The conveyor system 2250 is adapted to transport aggregate material 20 from the bulk hopper 2240 to the delivery hopper 2120 such that the delivery hopper 2120 intakes the aggregate material 20. The conveyor system 2250 extends from below the exit opening 2270 of the bulk hopper 2240 to above the intake opening 2150 of the delivery hopper 2150 such that the aggregate material 20 is able to be fed onto the conveyor system 2250 by the bulk hopper 2240 and then dropped into the intake opening 2150 of the delivery hopper 2120. It will be appreciated that the end portions of the conveyor system 2250 are pivotally attached to the bottom of the bulk hopper 2240 and the top of the delivery hopper 2120 such that when the delivery hopper 2120 moves laterally or is adjusted in height the conveyor system 2250 is still able to transport the aggregate material 20 from the bulk hopper 2240 to the delivery hopper 2120. The conveyor system 2250 is able to continuously supply the delivery hopper 2120 with aggregate material 20 such that in use the mobile apparatus 2010 can continuously form and dispose the drainage length 50. In this embodiment, the speed of the conveyor system 2250 is controllable by an electronic controller such that the rate at which the aggregate material 20 supplied to the delivery hopper 2120 can be adjusted. This is beneficial in preventing overflow of the aggregate material 20 in the delivery hopper 2120. Furthermore, by supplying controlled amounts of the aggregate material 20 to the delivery hopper 2120, the chance of clogging within the delivery hopper 2120, first chute 2130 and/or second chute 2140 is substantially reduced.

The mobile apparatus 2010 further comprises a conduit roll receiving means 2280 adapted to receive the perforated conduit roll 2182 and to dispense the perforated conduit 30 when the perforated conduit roll 2182 is caused to be rotated on the conduit roll receiving means 2280 in use. The conduit roll receiving means 2280 is located between the delivery hopper 2120 and the bulk hopper 2240. The conduit roll receiving means 2280 is a support structure that is attached to the chassis 2060 and holds the perforated conduit roll 2182 such that it is transverse to the length of the chassis 2060 and is able to rotate. This allows the perforated conduit roll 2182 to continuously dispense the perforated conduit 30 to be supplied to the guide tube 2181 and thus allow the mobile apparatus 2010 to form and dispose continuous lengths of the drainage length 50 in use. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile apparatus 2010 further comprises another conduit receiving means 2280′ to receive another perforated conduit roll 2182′ providing the mobile apparatus 2010 with additional capacity such that the mobile apparatus 2010 is able to dispose more lengths of the drainage length 50 between refills.

The mobile apparatus 2010 also further comprises a membrane roll receiving means 2290 adapted to receive a membrane roll 2230 and to dispense the membrane 40 when the membrane roll 2230 is caused to be rotated on the membrane roll receiving means 2290 in use. The membrane receiving means 2290 is located in the front portion 2090 of the chassis, in front of the delivery hopper 2120. The membrane receiving means 2290 is a support structure that is attached to the chassis 2060 and holds the membrane roll 2230 such that it is transverse to the length of the chassis 2060 and is able to rotate. This allows the membrane roll 2230 to continuously dispense the membrane 40 to be supplied to the passage and thus allows the mobile apparatus to form and dispose the drainage length in use.

Typically, the material excavated when creating a trench is disposed on either side of the trench and this excavated material is often referred to as backfill. The mobile apparatus 2010 further comprises two blades 2300 adapted to fill the trench with backfill as the mobile apparatus 2010 is progressed by the vehicle. The blades 2300 are located at the back portion 2100 of the chassis 2060 behind the bulk hopper 2240 such that the blades 2300 fill the trench with backfill after the drainage length 50 is disposed into the trench. It will be appreciated that the blades 2300 are attached to the chassis 2060 such that the blades 2300 are able to be adjusted in orientation and/or the height. The blades 2300 together have a V-formation when viewed from the top such that the backfill disposed on either side of the trench is pushed and channeled into the trench as the mobile apparatus 2010 is progressed in use. Thus, the mobile apparatus 2010 can automatically fill the trench with backfill after the drainage length 50 is disposed into the trench in use such as shown in FIG. 3. This is beneficial as it saves on labour, time and costs.

The mobile apparatus 2010 further comprises a jumping jack compactor 2310 located behind the blades 2300 and adapted to compact the backfill. The jumping jack compactor 2310 allows the mobile apparatus 2010 to automatically reduce the size of the backfill through compaction after the backfill has been disposed into the trench as it is progressed in use. This is beneficial as it saves on labour, time and costs.

In another embodiment, the mobile apparatus 2010 further comprises one or more drums (not shown) adapted to change the direction from which the membrane 40 is dispensed into the passage in use. The change in the direction in which the membrane 40 is dispensed into the passage allows the membrane 40 to more easily enter the passage and promotes the membrane 40 in surrounding the aggregate material 20 and the perforated conduit 30 to form the drainage length 50 in use. Furthermore, the one or more drums may be biased to maintain the membrane 40 at a given tension such that the formation of slack is reduced. This is beneficial as slack in the membrane 40 could cause the passage and/or the second chute 2140 to clog up in use. In this embodiment, the intake opening 2210 of the second chute 2140 is bevelled such that the membrane 40 is directed and can slide more facilely into the passage.

In another embodiment, the mobile apparatus 2010 is a vehicle and is able to self-propel itself such that the vehicle is able to form and dispose the drainage length 50 without any aid to progress in use. In this embodiment, the vehicle is also able to steer and control its speed such that the vehicle can navigate along the trench and control the amount of aggregate material 20 disposed into the drainage length 50. It will be appreciated that, in this embodiment, the vehicle may comprise one or more continuous tracks that are driven by two or more wheels. The one or more continuous tracks provide a larger surface area such that the weight of the vehicle can be evenly distributed allowing the vehicle to transverse across soft or unstable ground.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for simultaneously disposing the aggregate material 20 and the perforated conduit 30 within the membrane 40 to form the drainage length 50 and disposing the drainage length 50 into the trench. The method comprises the step of positioning the mobile apparatus 2010, as described in the any one of the preceding paragraphs, in alignment with the length of the trench. This allows the exit opening 2220 of the second chute 2140 to be placed just above the base of the trench such that the drainage length 50 is able to be disposed into the trench. The mobile apparatus 2010 is orientated such that the front portion 2090 of the chassis 2060 is facing the direction the drainage length 50 is to be disposed.

The method further comprises the step of progressing the mobile apparatus 2010 along the length of the trench such that the drainage length 50 is disposed continuously into the trench. It will be appreciated that the mobile apparatus 2010 is progressed by the vehicle at a moderate speed such that the drainage length 50 is able to form with an adequate amount of the aggregate material 20 within. Using these steps the drainage length 50 is automatically formed and disposed into the trench without the requirement of significant labour and skill. This is beneficial as it reduces the time and costs involved in installing a drainage system. Furthermore, as the formation of the drainage length 50 is automated, the build quality of the drainage length 50 is standardised.

The method further comprises the step of, during the step of progressing the mobile apparatus 2010 along the length of the trench, transporting the aggregate material 20 and the perforated conduit 30 into the second chute 2140. This allows the aggregate material 20 and the perforated conduit 30 to be transported to the second chute 2140 simultaneously as the drainage length 50 is disposed into the trench. Thus, there is a continuous supply of the aggregate material 20 and the perforated conduit 30 in the second chute 2140 to form continuous lengths of the drainage length 50. The method further comprises the step of, also during the step of progressing the mobile apparatus 2010 along the length of the elongate trench, surrounding the aggregate material 20 and the perforated conduit 30 with the membrane 40 to form the drainage length 50. The aggregate material 20 and the perforated conduit 30 are surrounded by the membrane 40 forming the drainage length 50 simultaneously as the drainage length 50 is disposed in the trench. This allows the drainage length 50 to be formed as it is being disposed.

As previously described in any one of the preceding paragraphs, the method further comprises the step of, before the step of progressing the mobile apparatus 2010 along the length of the trench, fixing the end of the membrane 40 and the end of the perforated conduit 30 in the trench such that when the mobile apparatus 2010 is progressed the membrane 40 and perforated conduit 30 are pulled into the trench.

FIG. 16 shows a modified embodiment of the apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 2 to 6. In this embodiment, the conduit guide tube 78 is disposed within the delivery hopper 120, and spaced from the front wall 123, side walls 124 and rear wall 125. The lower end 78 c of the conduit guide tube 78 is also spaced from the trench base wall 59. This ensures aggregate material 40 can be poured in front of (upstream), beside and behind (downstream) the conduit guide tube 78 as indicated by arrows 310, such that the elongate conduit 30 is surrounded by aggregate material in the formed drain. In this embodiment, the shield members 142 a and 142 b are tubes, which can include roller guides for maintaining the membrane 40 thereon.

FIG. 17 shows another modified embodiment of the apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 2 to 6. In this embodiment, the guide shield members 142 a and 142 b are omitted. The membrane guide instead comprises guide bars 142 a and 142 b spaced from the delivery portion side walls 127 to form the channels 143. The channels 143 are for guiding lateral end portions 40 c, 40 d of the membrane 40 to the folding blades 145 a, 145 b. The guide bars 142 a and 142 b each include two rollers 232 a and 232 b, which are arranged generally diagonally relative to the respective channel and at an angle of between 90 to 180 degrees to each other. The rollers 232 a and 232 b act as urging means to urge the lateral end portions of the membrane 40 upwardly, to substantially avoid the lateral end portions sinking into the trench before they are folded by the folding blades 145 a and 145 b. The folding blades 145 a and 145 b overlap and are vertically spaced from each other, and extend generally horizontally. This embodiment also includes a front shield 234 disposed in front of the support wheel 70. As shown in FIG. 17( h), this embodiment includes two kink or groove forming rollers 236 a and 236 b which engage the membrane 40 as it is unrolled. The rollers 236 a and 236 b form kinks or grooves in the unrolled membrane 40, with such kinks/grooves assisting in the folding of the membrane and guiding of the lateral end portions to the other rollers 232 a and 232 b.

The angle of the leading edges of the folding blades can be adjustable and the vertical height of the folding blades can also be adjustable.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of the Invention are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of the Invention, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

In describing the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “forward”, “rearward”, “radially”, “peripherally”, “upwardly”, “downwardly”, and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention.

It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to industries related to drainage, landscaping, agriculture and construction of roads, railways and buildings.

It is noted that various individual features of the inventive processes and systems may be described only in one exemplary embodiment herein. The particular choice for description herein with regard to a single exemplary embodiment is not to be taken as a limitation that the particular feature is only applicable to the embodiment in which it is described. All features described herein are equally applicable to, additive, or interchangeable with any or all of the other exemplary embodiments described herein and in any combination or grouping or arrangement. In particular, use of a single reference numeral herein to illustrate, define, or describe a particular feature does not mean that the feature cannot be associated or equated to another feature in another drawing figure or description. Further, where two or more reference numerals are used in the figures or in the drawings, this should not be construed as being limited to only those embodiments or features, they are equally applicable to similar features or not a reference numeral is used or another reference numeral is omitted.

The foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrate the principles, exemplary embodiments, and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for forming a drainage assembly within and along an elongate trench, the trench generally having a base wall and side walls, the drainage assembly comprising at least one elongate conduit extending along the trench and substantially surrounded by an aggregate material, the apparatus comprising: a conduit guide means adapted to dispose a length portion of the at least one elongate conduit within the trench; and an aggregate material delivery means adapted to distribute aggregate material within the trench such that the length portion of the at least one elongate conduit within the trench is substantially surrounded by the aggregate material; wherein movement of the apparatus along the trench in use disposes subsequent length portions of the at least one elongate conduit and further aggregate material within and along the trench to form the drainage assembly.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drainage assembly further comprises an elongate flexible membrane surrounding the aggregate material within the trench, the apparatus further comprising: a membrane guide adapted for configuring a length portion of the elongate flexible membrane into a channel configuration within the trench in use.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the length portion of the elongate flexible membrane comprises a middle portion adjacent the base wall of the trench, lateral side portions adjacent the side walls of the trench and lateral end portions extending outwardly from the trench, the middle portion of the length portion of the elongate flexible membrane being disposed under the length portion of the at least one elongate conduit for receiving the aggregate material therein.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the membrane guide comprises folding means for folding the lateral end portions of the elongate flexible membrane over each other and over the laid aggregate material to form the drainage assembly.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one elongate conduit is rolled from at least one conduit reel, the apparatus comprising a conduit roll mount for carrying at least one conduit reel and allowing the at least one elongate conduit to be unrolled from the at least one conduit reel and be disposed along the trench as the apparatus is moved along the trench.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the conduit roll mount is adapted to carry two or more conduit reels.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conduit guide means is a conduit guide tube having a lower end portion located within the trench in use, the longitudinal axis of the lower end portion of the conduit guide tube being aligned with the trench in use.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the conduit guide tube is generally rectangular in cross-section.
 9. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the membrane guide comprises first and second lateral channels for guiding the lateral end portions of the length portion of the elongate flexible membrane to the folding means.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the membrane guide comprises urging means for urging the lateral end portions in a generally upward direction.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the urging means comprises at least one roller associated with each lateral channel.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the urging means comprises two rollers associated with each lateral channel, the rollers in each lateral channel arranged generally diagonally relative to the channel and at an angle of between 90 and 180 degrees to each other.
 13. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the folding means comprises two folding blades.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the folding blades overlap and are vertically spaced from each other.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the folding blades extend substantially horizontally.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each folding blade comprises a respective leading edge, with the leading edge of one folding blade being disposed more forwardly than the leading edge of the other folding blade.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each folding blade comprises a respective leading edge, wherein the leading edges of the folding blades are angled substantially rearwardly.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the angle of the leading edge of each folding blades is adjustable.
 19. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the vertical height of the folding blades is adjustable.
 20. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the elongate flexible membrane is rolled from a membrane reel, the apparatus comprising a membrane roll mount for carrying the membrane reel and allowing the elongate flexible membrane to be unrolled from the membrane reel and be disposed along the trench as the apparatus is moved along the trench.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the formation means comprises at least one roller.
 22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one elongate conduit comprises two or more conduits.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the two or more conduits are coupled to each other.
 24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is part of an assembly comprising: the apparatus; and a towing means for towing the apparatus.
 25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein the towing means is an excavator machine having an arm, wherein the arm of the excavator machine is coupled to the apparatus.
 26. The assembly of claim 25, further comprising a supply means for supplying aggregate material to the aggregate material delivery means.
 27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein the supply means comprises at least one agitator truck.
 28. The assembly of claim 26, wherein the supply means is coupled to the towing means. 